Flexibilityandlowpricedefinethis9.7-inchiPadProfoliostandcase

This one case from roocase does it all. You can use it as a portfolio for transporting your iPad while protecting it from bumps and dings. It is two separate pieces which attach with velcro. One piece is a shell, the other a folio. The folio has cardholders and other multi-purpose pockets. The shell attaches to the folio either vertically or horizontally, depending on how you prefer to use your iPad. It has a stylus/pen holder, perfect for the Apple Pencil.

The facts

What I liked

I had a roocase folio stand case for my previous iPad, and it held up extremely well. In fact, I passed it down along with my old iPad to my daughter. So I was interested in this case when I got an iPad Pro. It’s a different design, but one worth checking out.

I like to watch TV on my iPad in bed, and no other stand or case I’ve tried has been this solid and resistant to tipping over. That alone would make this case worth buying, especially since it’s so inexpensive.

Most case stands only hold your iPad up horizontally; this one lets you use it vertically as well. The folio has magnets strong enough to activate the iPad’s Sleep/Wake function, but not strong enough to hold the folio shut. Rather, there is an elastic band inside the folio which serves two purposes: it holds the folio closed, and it is where the iPad rests when you’re using it as a stand. The iPad feels fully protected inside this case when it’s strapped securely closed. The iPad is totally functional in this case, hindering nothing.

What I didn't like

My tastes tend towards sleek, and this case is bulky. It adds weight and substantial thickness to the ultra-slim iPad Pro. It only comes in black with red stitching, not my personal choice of colors. It’s synthetic leather, which in and of itself isn’t a problem, but it does have a chemical smell for a day or two.

While the case overall seems quite protective, especially with the elastic band holding the case shut, the edges of the iPad don’t get full coverage when the case is open or separated. Rather than precision cut-outs, there are large cut-outs anyplace where there are buttons and ports and even where there aren’t.

While you can choose to use this as a vertical or horizontal stand, you can’t choose the angle. It’s a good angle for reading, viewing, or typing with a Bluetooth keyboard, but typing onscreen might be a little awkward.

Bottom line

Overall, roocase has a great case here. It makes a good, stable stand for either orientation and folds up neatly as a portfolio. It’s not the sleekest, but it’s thick and protective, and the price can’t be beat. You can buy the roocase iPad Pro 9.7-inch Folio Case for $6.98 on Amazon.